Hi, being new to the E89, can I stop the roof mid movement and then will it resume when I press the button again?. I have a rattle/ knocking when going over rough ground, sounds like the parcel shelf area directly behind the head rests and I want to have a good look around it to hopefully identify the source. Thanks
Stopping the roof mid move
- Thread starter Naylz
- Start date
At the summit of the picturesque fens
Rattles around the roof are confusing, I had one that sounded like it was in the back, turned out to be the sliding cover on the sun visor mirror!!Naylz said:
I had another just before I put it away for the winter at the front edge, turned out to be the roof latch hook, a spray of white lithium and its fixed
While you have it up check all the joints and bushes, many of the bushes are phosphor bronze and dont technically need lubrication but it does not hurt.
I did mine with a tin of spray white lithium grease from B&Q, the roof was a lot faster and quieter afterwards.
05_3.0i_zoom
Member
on the z4 e85 that sound like where the hydraulic pumps are located.. If you leave it halfway just make SURE you hold them with help of some vices it not you can see stars during the day 
80% chance it's the wedge that sits in the slot on the black rear deck. Try some thin felt on the cross bar of the T, it's just under the rear glass. The wedge bit i tried various felt, clearance there just too tight, the wedge gets jammed, so don't put felt there.
Although i think BMW may have supplied with very thin felt that falls off.
Would have been better if the slot was made from rubber. Can't remember if it is and the cross bar of the T taps on the hard plastic part.
Also i use Triple wax bumper shine and go around all joints and rubber on roof and dash to stop all the other knocks.
Never had such a noisy car for rattles. Simple things like the sun visors tapping against the plastic and a sound like someone snapping sticks of rock.
Although i think BMW may have supplied with very thin felt that falls off.
Would have been better if the slot was made from rubber. Can't remember if it is and the cross bar of the T taps on the hard plastic part.
Also i use Triple wax bumper shine and go around all joints and rubber on roof and dash to stop all the other knocks.
Never had such a noisy car for rattles. Simple things like the sun visors tapping against the plastic and a sound like someone snapping sticks of rock.
UPDATE: so I got 5 mins to have a look for the rattle today….great news it rattles no more 
I applied some felt tape, the kind you wrap wiring harnesses in, to the T bar/ tooth bit, had a good check around for anything else loose which there wasn’t. I also replaced the worn felt tape I found in each front corner of the boot lid part and I applied autoglym bumper care to all the rubber seals and where the rear window section meets the lower part. Went for a drive and it was bliss…all rattles gone. During this process I did operate the roof numerous times too, just a thought, does the roof retain hydraulic pressure to hold it into position when up, and could that pressure dissipate over time leading to rattles??? Anyway really happy this is sorted “much cheapness” too. Thanks everyone for the tips and advice, really helpful
I applied some felt tape, the kind you wrap wiring harnesses in, to the T bar/ tooth bit, had a good check around for anything else loose which there wasn’t. I also replaced the worn felt tape I found in each front corner of the boot lid part and I applied autoglym bumper care to all the rubber seals and where the rear window section meets the lower part. Went for a drive and it was bliss…all rattles gone. During this process I did operate the roof numerous times too, just a thought, does the roof retain hydraulic pressure to hold it into position when up, and could that pressure dissipate over time leading to rattles??? Anyway really happy this is sorted “much cheapness” too. Thanks everyone for the tips and advice, really helpful
05_3.0i_zoom
Member
WWIII?
Something worth checking to delay roof dropping is to make sure the two brass hexagon screws are properly locked off on the pump.
When i first had my car, any stop half open, after a few seconds roof would fall.
Since working on the roof and having to mess with the screws last few years, the roof seems to operate quicker and smoother and holds for longer before it falls.
When i first had my car, any stop half open, after a few seconds roof would fall.
Since working on the roof and having to mess with the screws last few years, the roof seems to operate quicker and smoother and holds for longer before it falls.